The Maritime Technologies Forum has published new safety guidelines to help shipowners develop and enhance Safety Management Systems for vessels utilizing methanol as fuel. Aligned with the International Safety Management Code, the recommendations address the distinct toxic and low-flashpoint hazards of methanol, prioritizing risk-based operational protocols, human factors, and mixed-fuel management.
Tokyo | July 10, 2026 – The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) has published a comprehensive set of guidelines aimed at supporting shipowners and operators in developing new Safety Management Systems (SMS) and upgrading existing frameworks to safely manage methanol-fueled vessels.
The publication arrives at a critical juncture for the global shipping industry. Driven by looming FuelEU Maritime mandates and the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) tightening greenhouse gas reduction targets, low-carbon methanol has rapidly emerged as a frontrunner in the multi-fuel transition. Its primary advantages, remaining liquid at ambient temperatures and matching relatively well with existing bunkering infrastructure, have led to a surge in dual-fuel container ship, tanker, and dry bulk newbuild orders.
However, the operational hazards of the fuel remain a significant barrier. Methanol is highly toxic, possesses a low flashpoint, and burns with a nearly invisible vapor and flame. These distinct characteristics require vastly different procedural safeguards compared to conventional marine gasoil or very low sulfur fuel oil (VLSFO).
A Functional Toolkit for the ISM Code
Developed collaboratively by MTF flag state administrations and classification societies, the new guidance translates the unique chemical risks of methanol into actionable, audit-ready protocols mapped directly to the International Safety Management (ISM) Code.
Rather than focusing solely on hardware configurations, the guidelines provide recommendations across all functional areas of a company’s SMS. Because methanol is still in its commercial infancy as a marine fuel, the MTF framework strongly emphasizes risk-based decision-making, organizational agility, and strict data collection from near-misses and hazardous operational occurrences.
A core operational challenge highlighted by the MTF is the complexity of managing mixed-fuel regimes. During the industry’s protracted transition phase, vessels will routinely carry, bunker, and burn both conventional oil products and methanol. The guidelines outline how to build versatile SMS structures that safely govern simultaneous operations (SIMOPS), distinct fuel-transfer protocols, and changing safety zones without confusing crew members or introducing cross-contamination risks.
Prioritizing the Human Factor
The report identifies human factors as the primary line of defense in avoiding catastrophic incidents. The guidelines recommend that shipping companies conduct exhaustive role-based assessments to overhaul their current competency, training, and familiarization programs. Crew members must be thoroughly trained in specialized protocols, including the use of calibrated, intrinsically safe personal gas detectors, and specific emergency responses tailored to invisible methanol fires.
“While IMO regulatory discussions continue, many shipowners and operators are already moving ahead with alternative fuel retrofits and newbuilds,” said Nick Brown, CEO of Lloyd’s Register. “For those choosing methanol, these guidelines provide practical recommendations to ensure safety management systems appropriately reflect its characteristics as a fuel.”
Capt. M. Segar, Chief Marine Officer and Senior Advisor to the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), emphasized the practical utility of the text for global bunkering hubs: “We appreciate the collective efforts of industry and MTF members to bring together practical experience and regulatory perspectives in support of the safe adoption of methanol as a marine fuel. It serves as a practical reference for companies developing or strengthening their Safety Management Systems.”
Direct Regulatory Support
The MTF is structurally positioned to bridge the gap between commercial deployment and international law. Comprising prominent flag state regulators, including Japan’s Maritime Bureau, the Norwegian Maritime Authority, the UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency, and Singapore’s MPA, alongside classification giants ABS, DNV, LR, and ClassNK, the forum intends for these guidelines to actively shape the upcoming formal, binding international regulations for low-flashpoint marine fuels.
About The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF)
The Maritime Technologies Forum (MTF) is a coalition of Flag States and Classification Societies established to provide technical and regulatory expertise for the benefit of the maritime industry. The forum collaborates on research to offer unbiased advice to the shipping sector, providing critical guidance on the use of alternative fuels and increased ship automation. Furthermore, MTF facilitates the safe testing and adoption of new marine technologies, helping to shape world-leading international regulations.
Its Flag State administrations include the Maritime Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Japan; the Norwegian Maritime Authority; the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, United Kingdom; and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). Its Classification Society members comprise ABS, DNV, LR, and ClassNK.
Source: MTF